Vol.2 No.4 - October 2011 www.theguidephuket.com
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KAThu GOlf CONDO
The best investment in Phuket
Map
Diving
Tours
Things to do
Places to go
Shopping
Accommodation
Restaurants and Much, Much More...
KATHU GOLF CONDO T H E B E S T I N V E S T M E N T I N P H U K E T, F A I R W A Y V I E W S
Starting from 4 M.Baht : 99 Sq.m.
Last 18 Units Ready to move in
100% Phuket Country Club View Phuket Country Club
Kathu Golf Condo
Central Festival Phuket
Swimming Pool
Gym
Rooftop Garden
2 glass Lifts Passenger
Tel. 084-543 543 5, 076-319 194
E-mail: kathu-golfcondo@hotmail.com www.kathu-golf-condo-phuket.com Kathu Golf Condo close to Phuket Country Club, Vichitsongkram Rd., Kathu, Phuket www.facebook.com/theguidephuket
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Phuket’s Coolest Bar and Restaurant
Cool food – Cool drinks - Cool sounds - Cool vibes
Just 1.5 k.m. south of Chalong circle by the traffic lights 14 Moo 5 Rawai, Muang, Phuket 83130 Thailand Tel. +66 (0)76 371 900 Fax. +66 (0)76 613831 E-mail: rsvn@serenityphuket.com www.serenityphuket.com www.facebook.com/theguidephuket
CONTeNTS
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lifeSTyle The Guide Social Getting to Know... Oscar Hari Prakoso Life’s a Beach The Margarita Bar I Fancy FantaSea Shopper’s Delight
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8 13 14 16 40 44
WATeRSPORTS & ACTiViTieS Hot Activities Day Tripper Xtrem Aventure Park
10 38 24
hOTelS & ACCOMMODATiON In bed with... Vijitt Resort Hotel Highlights Phuket Pulse
18 22 47
fOOD & ReSTAuRANTS
34
Let’s do Brunch! In the Kitchen with... Two Chefs Restaurant Highlights Wine Dinner
20 26 28 31
heAlTh & BeAuTy Take a Wellness Break Spa Highlights
34 37
TiMeTABle Star Phuket Media & Design Limited Partnership 65/573, Moo 2, T. Vichit A. Muang, Phuket 83000 Tel. +66 (0) 76 513 064, Fax: +66 (0) 76 513 016 E-mail: info@theguidephuket.com, www. theguidephuket.com Managing Director:
Consulting Editor: Graphic Designer: Advertising:
Punnaporn Eamso Guinault info@theguidephuket.com Mobile: 089 474 4704 Barry Daniel editor@theguidephuket.com Design 457 Studio media@theguidephuket.com info@theguidephuket.com Tel. 076 513 064 Mobile: 089 474 4704
Thai Airways Timetable
48
Bangkok Airways Timetable
46
iMPORTANT TelePhONe NuMBeRS TRANSPORT ON The iSlAND
46 49
MAP Kata - Karon
25
Phuket Island
42
Patong
45
The Guide Phuket is an exciting publication aimed at providing tourists and local ex-pats easy access to key information on Phuket. The Guide Phuket will cater to the needs of all, including the most up to date details on places of interest, where to travel, where to stay, where to dine, the best places for entertainment, dining and relaxation, in addition to business services, information and contacts. The Guide Phuket is published monthly and distributed to Bangkok Airways Lounge (Suvanabhumi International Airport and Phutket International Airport), Thai Airways Lounge, major resorts in Phuket region, restaurants, spas, travel agents and car rental. Please direct all editorial enquiries and contributions to info@theguidephuket.com.
Lifestyle / 7
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8 / lifestyle
The GuiDe SOCiAl
Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket and Pernod Ricard Thailand recently held a “Mademoiselle Coco Party” at luna bar which featured Malibu liqueur, live entertainment, and a DJ during the full moon.
follow the lady in to the pool party at east 88 Beach lounge Phuket on September 2, 2011
From left: Suchitra Sirirak, Suppached Sasomsin, Assistant Men- Luna service staff ready to toring Manager of Pernod Ricard Thailand; Christophe Gestin, serve you a drink! F&B Director at Centara Grand; Yuwanit Pitchalad; Yupaporn Kaewsawee along with pretty mademoiselles
Sala Phuket Staff Sport Day on September 6, 2011
iBAP – Phuket held the Steve lawrence hits the monthly meeting at full Big 60! Well known Moon Brew Work, JungcPhuket personeylon Shopping Center ally, sailor, actor and musician Steve Lawrence celebrated his 60th birthday at the Freebird Bar in Nai Harn with over a 150 guests in attendance.
From left: Denny Bowman, Sukij Thipatima, the owner of Full Moon Brew Work and James Firth.
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Skal Kids Day ‘11 activity at Xteam Adventure, Phuket with SKAl international Phuket & South Thailand Club!!
first Rawai – Naiharn Golf Day at Phunaka Golf Course Chalong on September 17,1011
Mark Norris with Use Aebi & his wife
lifestyle / 9 The holiday inn Resort Phuket Mai Khao Associate Justices of the labour Court Beach officially opened on September 9, Region 8 recently attended a special seminar held at The Kee Resort & Spa from 2011 August 18th-22nd, 2011
Mr. Nathee Nithivasin, Vice President Strategy Narai Group (3rd from left) and Mr. Simon Morley, General Manager (middle) with Phuket Gazette and The Guide Phuket team
Amari Coral Beach Phuket welcomes Romanian celebrity and uNiCA Magazine
Pernod Ricard Thailand held Chivas Whisky Dinner at The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa, Phuket on September 16, 2011
Left row (from front to back): Ms. Andreea Raicu (famous actress, presenter and news anchor in Romania), Ms. Raluca Hagiu (Editor-in-Chief, UNICA Magazine). Right row (from front to back): Mr. Alexandru Galmeanu (photographer, UNICA Magazine), Mr. Alexander Mack (Amari Coral Beach Phuket Executive Assistant Manager), Mr. Razvan Dobrescu (Assistant to Editor, UNICA Magazine).
The Vijitt Resort Phuket had the honor of hosting the Transport Committee to the Senate at a private lunch at their Savoury Restaurant on 15th September, 2011
The lions Club of Phuket Pearl joined the Kathu Autistic Centre activity scholarship sponsored by h.R.e Princess ubolrantana Rajakanya.
From left to right: Mrs. June Murphy, Mrs. Wanida, Lion Christiane Kitchakarn, Phuket Governor, Mr. Praset, Lion Yupa, Mr. Sawai.
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10 / Watersports & Activities
Blue elePhANT COOKiNG SChOOl
hOT ACTiViTieS KATA yOGA
PhuKeT fANTASeA
H
lue Elephant Cooking School has recently opened its Phuket branch where you can participate in one of our world famous cooking classes. Learn how to cook Royal Thai Cuisine with experienced chefs who will take you step-bystep through each recipe. Enjoy a tour around the local market where we will show you what are the popular ingredients of Thai food. When the cooking is all over you can sit and enjoy all of you hard work. Morning and afternoon classes are available starting from 2,800 THB++ per person.
ot yoga, the most popular yoga for men and women. It is the best 90 minutes workout, toning your muscles and getting you in shape fast! Beginners are welcome and it’s challenging for advanced practitioners, your instructor will guide you through the postures to provide you with the best workout ever. Sweat, detox and lose fat. No more stress, aches and pains. Kata Hot Yoga class is like a gas station, you gain energy instead of losing it. After the class you will feel amazing with a big smile full of vitality, wanting to come back for more. Get a healthy mind and a healthy body. Kata Yoga studio at the beach in Kata.
www.blueelephant.com
www.katahotyoga.com
B
T
his is Phuket’s Mega-show; it’s a cultural spectacle on the grandest of scales, complete with armies of warriors, vast troupes of dancing girls and elephants that literally rise up into the sky. The show takes place in the evening with a delightful dinner buffet. Located at Kamala Beach, mini buses run back and forth picking up customers from their hotels.
www.phuket-fantasea.com
100% SAFETY
FOR YOUR ENTIRE PLEASURE
Viset Rd.
ENSURED BY HIGH-SKILLED AND PROFESSIONALLY CERTIFIED INSTALLATIONS OPERATORS TRAINED BY FRENCH SPECIALISTS CHALONG PIER
as
t
Patak Rd.
Chao Fah Road - West
-E hR d. Fa ao Ch
CHALONG TEMPLE
TO TOWN
TO RAWAI BEACH
HOME PRO VILLAGE
PHUNAKA GOLF THAINAAN RESTAURANT
TO TOWN
HIGHEST tree climbing in ASIA. Only Park in ASIA offering the cable and net technologies.
CENTRAL FESTIVAL
TO KATA BEACH KARON BEACH
LUANG PU SU PA TEMPLE
TO KATU
Tel. / Fax : 076 383 689 Mobile : +66 081 536 8909 info@xtremadventuresphuket.com www.xtremadventuresphuket.com www.theguidephuket.com
Lifestyle / 11
The Haunted Mine
A journey down the mine, but there’s only gold for fools. This is a ride into the fire-filled depths of the earth and beyond...ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK…!
Cosmic Coaster
This futuristic voyage will transport you to another planet! Speed through landscapes that you’ve never seen before, as you’re thrown from the highest cliffs, plummeting to the depths of an unknown, alien world...
Jett and Jin
Snow Ride
Cosmic Race
Journey thru the Center of the Earth
Join Jett and his cat Jin as they snap into their self-made jet-packs and take off to make it in time for school. Feel the adrenaline pumping as you blast off with them. Outflank those cars as you fly by on the highway. Experience the thrills of this explosive adventure and above all: don’t be late for school!
Become a racing car driver and take part in an incredible race where you will feel an influx of adrenaline when flying at maximum speed through the streets of this futuristic city.
Race through snowcovered mountains, over shaky narrow bridges and through dangerous bat caves. This is one wild, icy ride that will give you both thrills and chills.
This exciting new film follows adventurers as you are plunged into a strange new world beneath the Earth’s surface where you embark on an amazing voyage and find incredible beauty amidst grave danger.
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12 / Watersports & Activities
hOT ACTiViTieS XD TheATeR
BuTTeRfly GARDeN
P
huket Butterfly Garden is the largest and most desirable butterfly garden in Thailand. In operation from 1990, it has become a magnificent place for families and loved ones to enjoy. Imagine the natural beauty that surrounds you as you walk in a tropical garden surrounded by an abundance of flowers and butterflies. Phuket Butterfly Garden is simply heaven on earth. 8000 butterflies per month inhabit the lush green tropical garden, enabling it to be a place of fun, tranquility and pleasure. Discover their secrets, search for hidden eggs, watch as they sip nectar and witness the emergence of new butterflies.
www.phuketbutterfly.com
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S
T
XTReM AVeNTuRe PhuKeT
tep into the future with Phuket’s latest attraction; an 8 seat 4D motion ride. Choose a movie, slip on your glasses and be prepared to be whisked away on a journey to space or beyond. The moving chairs enhance the thrills of the 3D visuals making you feel you really are in a land undiscovered. We rode on the Cosmic Coaster which is a roller coaster set on another planet taking you through landscapes, plummeting off cliffs into cosmic lands. This virtual world is open to all ages and the shows run every 10 minutes, so step inside and let your imagination run wild.
he latest harnesses and safety equipment, receive expert training and briefing, and then take on the 69 different treetop challenges of the Xtrem Aventure Park. All the installations are assessed by an independent professional company and checks are regularly performed by a botanical expert to preserve the health of the trees. With sites suitable for every age from four years and up, Xtremaventures Phuket is located near Big Buddha and Luang Pu Suppha Temple on Chaofa Road, just five minutes drive from Chalong Circle. Tel./ Fax : +66 (0)76 383 689 Mobile : +66 (0)81 536 8909
www.xdtheater.thai-best.com
www. xtremadventuresphuket.com
Lifestyle / 13
Getting to know…
Oscar Hari Prakoso the new GM at IndoChine Resort and Residences
N
ot many new GM’s get to experience a completely full resort when hosting the guests at their own wedding party, but Oscar Hari Prakoso is going to do exactly that as he takes over at IndoChine Resort in Kalim Beach.
I moved back to Singapore to be closer to my ageing parents and in 2007 where, after no less than five interviews, I joined the IndoChine Group! I worked at the iconic IndoChine Waterfront club and restaurant on the Singapore River and then in 2008 I was sent to Jakarta to open the new bar, supper club, and beach clubs having just one month from my arrival to launch. I then came to Phuket to consult with IndoChine and of course I am now very excited about taking over as GM here.
September 2011 is proving to be rather an exciting month for you, please tell us how it feels.
Yes, I have arrived to take over as GM at IndoChine Resort at a very exciting time both for us and for Phuket as a whole I think. We are gearing up for a really dynamic high season with the launch of our own interactive, community radio station 92.75 FM; a huge number of exciting events such as our rooftop Singapore Formula One Night Grand Prix evening; and lots of parties and international DJ’s coming into both Bar Opiume and to StereoLab Beach Club where we will also open our New Deli Café right on Surin Beach. And of course my fiancée Khun Phet, who is Sue Ma’s cousin and our Marketing Manager, and I will get married at IndoChine on September 11th.
What sort of background and experience do you bring to your new role?
I am an Indonesian by birth but grew up in the ‘States and was educated at Los Angeles Polytechnic taking a degree in hotel management. I love food and have always been dedicated to cooking and catering….I think it comes from my mom who was a great cook! I started my own catering company when I was in college and later joined Disney for 5 years in their restaurants and catering division.
What are the main cultural challenges you see in working in Phuket?
I worked at the iconic IndoChine Waterfront club and restaurant on the Singapore River and then in 2008 I was sent to Jakarta to open the new bar, supper club, and beach clubs having just one month from my arrival to launch. We managed such stellar events as The California Governor’s Ball for the EMMY Awards and the Pacific Life Tennis Tournament so I was exposed to the top echelon of catering professionals.
Clearly working in Thailand is very different from working in California or Singapore, although I think the challenges here are much more similar to those working in Jakarta. For example, I find working here demands a lot more ‘hands on’ supervision as it is hard to get staff to take initiative and ‘problem solve’ on their own. Saving face is a major concern of most employees and so this tends to mean that they will always play it safe and wait to be told specifically what to do, rather than taking the risk of making a mistake by showing initiative. Hence, a big part of my role will be to encourage initiative and empowerment as we are a highly entrepreneurial organization that prizes creativity and ‘pushing the boundaries’.
And how will you be spending your Honeymoon?
How else? We will be having a ‘working honeymoon’ getting IndoChine ready for the best high season ever! www.facebook.com/theguidephuket
14 / lifestyle
life’S A BeACh
W
ith a vast array of different beaches on Phuket’s coastline why stick to just the one nearest your hotel? Take a look here at the choices available.
Mai Khao Beach
North of the airport is a beach to really get away from it all. Mai Khao beach is very, very long, and very straight, so it misses the cozy feeling enjoyed by many of the other beaches on the island, but the sand and water here are just as stunning plus it’s almost empty! The place feels deserted even during high season when the beach umbrellas are five deep on Patong.
Nai yang Beach
Just south of the airport is Nai Yang, a charming beach with a unique atmosphere all of its own. With just a scattering of hotels and bars to entertain the few that stay there, Nai Yang is as relaxed as they get.
Ever dreamed of eating seafood right on the beach? This is your spot.
Nai Thon Beach
A little further south from Nai Yang is Nai Thon, possessing a similar feel to its big brother, Nai Thon has long been a favorite with the regular visitors to the island. This quiet bay nestled at the foot of high hills has a fine strip of sand and a handful of pleasant eateries are situated just off the beach.
layan Beach
This is a small and relatively unknown beach, nestled in a shallow bay at the northern end of Bang Tao. You get there by following the small road that winds right through the back holes of the Banyan Tree Golf Club. Layan Beach is more of a bay than a beach, and although very picturesque the water is quite shallow; great for families but if you fancy a real swim it’s not the place to go.
Bang Tao Beach
Bang Tao Beach has in recent years seen a lot of development with many 5-star luxury resorts in the area but the beach remains very pleasant. At certain times of the
The Art of Relaxation
year swimming can be dangerous due to the strong tides. At the northern end of the beach the coral creates good opportunities for snorkeling.
Surin Beach
Surin Beach is located between Bang Tao and Kamala beach. It is one of most beautiful beaches on the island with fine white sand and emerald sea. The beach can have rather strong winds which make it ideal for windsurfing. A lot of popular resorts surround this beach.
laem Singh Beach
Laem Singh Beach is small and very popular; it is located between Surin and Kamala. To reach the beach you need to walk down a short, rocky trail that is clearly signposted. If you are lucky and it’s not too crowded then Leam Sing Beach is absolutely stunning.
Kamala Beach
Kamala is a 3-kilometer long beach situated in the middle of Phuket’s west coast which has undergone recent developments to its main street, but the beach remains largely unchanged. Behind the beach lies a growing village with two dis-
Open every day from 10am until midnight
ty SSalon l 5 Star Massage and Beauty Address: 225 Rat-U-Thit 200 Pee Road (opposite Holiday Inn Resort) Mobile: 089 535 4637 (Isabelle) E-mail: info@5-star-massage.com www. 5-star-massage.com www.theguidephuket.com
lifestyle / 15 tinct communities; Buddhists by the beach and Muslims further back at the foot of the encompassing mountain range.
south of Patong, and is separated from Patong by a large headland. A quick 10 minute drive connects the two.
The most famous beach on the island is the center of entertainment, restaurants, shopping and hotels. Patong is indeed a famous beach with beautiful soft sands and warm clear water. But right behind the beach is the hustle and bustle at the center of Phuket’s tourism business. Here the hotels, restaurants, entertainment and bar areas, street bazaars and shops are crammed in a colorful and lively mix that typifies a Thai tourist beach town.
Kata is certainly one of the most beautiful of Phuket’s beaches; a half-moon crescent of white sand lining a bay cut deep between two green headlands. Crystal clear waters and soft coral offers excellent snorkeling and just outside the bay lies a small rounded island that seems to wave its coconut haircut to those on the beach.
Patong Beach
Paradise Beach
Paradise Beach is a little beach just 5 minutes south of Patong. To get there follow a small cement road up to the hill through the jungle. It is a nice small beach with white, soft sand and large rocks flanking either side.
Karon Beach
Karon is another of the beautiful, west-coast beaches that have made Phuket famous. This beach is the first main stop
Kata Beach
Kata Noi Beach
Just south of Kata Beach is Kata Noi, a smaller beach with only a few hotels and little other development. The beach is superb for snorkeling as many fish inhabit the rocks and corals along the headland to the south.
Ao Sane Beach
Ao Sane beach is a small bay and is located to the north of Nai Harn beach. To get to this beach you need to go through The Royal Phuket Yacht Club. Ao Sane is a very small, rocky beach but it is peaceful.
Nai harn Beach
Nai Harn is one of the more isolated beaches, nestled at the southern tip of the island in a bay defined by headlands and islets. The beach is backed by the green of Casuarina trees and coconut palms, acting as shade to the restaurants that now line the beach.
yanui Beach
Yanui Beach is a small bay, 10 minutes north from Leam Phrom Thep. It offers kayaking and snorkeling with equipment hire, both off the beach itself and around the small island about 500 meters distant. The beach is not so long and the sand is beautifully soft and rarely crowded. It is also a favorite bathing and sunbathing location.
Ao yon Beach
Ao Yon is another peaceful beach ideally suited for watching the sunset. It is located near Cape Panwa, 10km from Phuket Town. Although quiet with beautiful emerald sea this beach is not really suitable for bathing or relaxing as the bay is usually full of boats and yachts.
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16 / Lifestyle
The Margarita Bar that’s Shaken and Stirred!
A
t the very epicenter of Patong’s dynamic nightlife is the Margarita Bar sitting right on the corner of Rat-U-Thit Road and Soi Bangla walking street. Hunker down at one of the streetside tables with a frosty beer or an exotic cocktail in front of you and turn your attention to the endless pleasures of ‘people watching’. It is the most fantastic location to do this…certainly in Phuket and possibly in the known universe! Opposite is the Junceylon Shopping and Entertainment Center and next door is the Patong Boxing Stadium…every taxi and tuk-tuk driver knows the bar and will happily drop you off there. As the exciting live music wafts over you, view the colorful passage of every type of humanity from every corner of the globe as they parade before you. From strutting Lady-boys, to sailors on shore leave; from tattooed globe-trotters, to blond Aussie surfers; and from lads on a Stag night, to couples out for an evening stroll…all life is here arraigned exotically before you.
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The Margarita Bar is also one of the best bars in Phuket for travelers and tourists who enjoy listening to live music. It is an ideal couples’ bar, so if you are traveling with your wife or girlfriend you need have no fear in taking her to this excellent music bar where you will not be pestered by bar girls and the like. The bar has been under the same professional management
Wednesday night is a great night to head down as the Margarita Bar offers special promotions all night, giving away free shooters and also has a lucky draw adding to the fun. for the past ten years and they have turned this happy thriving Patong bar into a wellloved Phuket institution that is now one of the busiest and most successful nightlife spots on the island. If you are a sports fan and looking for the best venue to watch say a Formula One race or the latest Premier League match this is the very place with jumbosized screen and a great sound system and uncluttered sight lines throughout the venue. Alternatively you can shoot some
pool while you are quaffing you drinks amidst the happy throng. Margarita bar offers a different line up of musicians and bands every night, so that you will never get bored of seeing the same bands and hearing the same sets over and over again. The bar has one of Phuket’s most extensive drinks menus and the staff is well trained and experienced so that they can make almost any drink you care to name. Margarita is also opening a new restaurant just 200 meters from the bar itself which will specialize in Thai and seafood dishes and importantly all their food and beverages are reasonably priced. Wednesday night is a great night to head down as the Margarita Bar offers special promotions all night, giving away free shooters and also has a lucky draw adding to the fun. The bar celebrates all the festivals and events that are going on in Phuket, but basically whichever night you go, you are guaranteed a great party night with abundant music, drinks, food, sports and happy friendly people. What more could you ask for?
The Margarita Bar Soi Bangla, Patong Beach, Phuket Tel. 080 699 2629 Email: pecth_margarita@yahoo.com
lifestyle / 17
Party Time TWO ChefS KARON
Every Wednesday
Tel. 080 699 2629 E-mail: petch_margarita@yahoo.com www.margaritaphuket.siam2web.com
Tex-Mexican Buffet, only 495 Baht Tel. 076 286 479
iNDOChiNe SuRiN BeACh CluB & STeReOlAB SPiN SeSSiONS SPiN yOuR MiND & SPiN yOuR SOul. Every Friday
Tel. 081 895 1440 www.indochine-group.com
MARGARiTA 2 yeAR ANNiVeRSARy ThANK yOu PARTy 22nd October 2011
Free BBQ Free Shooters all Night Special Show from Top Ten Bartender in Thailand Special Surprise from the Band Lucky Draw IPAD2 And Lot of Prize for every one FREE ENTRANCE ALL NIGHT Start: 6.00pm-till your Drop!! Call: 080 699 2629
WhiTe BOX TAPAS AND WiNe Every Friday
Order Tapas as much as you like. Starting at 6pm - 11pm 1,200 THB Net Call: 076 376 271
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18 / Hotels & Accommodation
In Bed with...
Vijitt Resort V
ijitt Resort sits on the hillside overlooking Chalong Bay with stunning views across Phang Nga Bay to Cape Panwa and the dreaming Lon and Coral Islands. It occupies a luxurious open spread of 18 acres with 250 meters of its own priEach stand-alone guest villa features wonderful vate sandy beachfront. The verdant views across the beach and the bay to the islands grounds are filled beyond and guarantees both privacy and luxury to with mature palm and fruit trees and all discerning clients who stay here. other native flora giving it an air of being miles from anywhere. But in fact it is nestled into the quiet southeast corner of Phuket but only 50 minutes from the airport and 25 minutes from either Patong or Phuket Town. The Resort offers luxurious accommodation that is all villa-based. Each stand-
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alone guest villa features wonderful views across the beach and the bay to the islands beyond and guarantees both privacy and luxury to all discerning clients who stay here. There are 92 stand-alone villas in all. There are 72 Deluxe Villas with separate bedroom, dressing area, large bathroom with private bath, spacious outdoor rain shower and private outdoor terrace with sun loungers. Then there are the 13 spacious two storey Prime Pool Villas with the upper level having a living room leading to a private seven meter swimming pool, outdoor terrace and bathroom with outdoor rain shower. Downstairs you will find a kingsized bedroom, walk in closet and a bathroom with rain shower. Three spacious single storey Two Bed roomed Pool Villas are located on the
Hotels & Accommodation / 19 beach front and are comprised of a large master bedroom with an en suite bathroom with a sunken Jacuzzi bath and separate rain shower. The bedroom leads onto a living room overlooking the private pool. Across a terrace is a second bedroom with twin beds and separated restroom with rain shower. These villas also feature a separate private terrace and a generous 10 meter pool. Finally, four luxurious single storey Vijitt Pool Villas are located on the beach front each comprising a large bedroom, a bathroom with bath and outdoor shower, two terraces, an 11 meter infinity-edged pool with state of the art fiber optic lighting and an integral Jacuzzi. It also has a spacious living room leading to expansive private gardens running down to the beach. The resort’s amenities include two infinity-edged pools and two great restaurants the Savoury and Baan Vijitt. There’s also a fitness center, kids’ club with activity room, indoor/outdoor playground and games room and the V Spa with steam room and beauty salon. There’s a library corner with internet services and computer services, tour desk, boutique and they even provide a shuttle bus service to Nai Harn Beach, Phuket Town and Patong. The resort offers great water sports opportunities including scuba and snorkel diving, horse riding, kite boarding and kayaking in the bay and to the nearby islands as well as trips there by boat. The dining options are legion including The Savoury adjacent to the main pool and overlooking the beach with breakfast buffet, plus all-day dining, a bakery and an extensive wine cellar. Baan Vijitt is a Sino-Portuguese house, originally the Vijitt family home and is now a luxurious restaurant featuring Thai specialties focusing on local flavors and cuisines and ingredients. The resort also has a beach bar for all day offerings of light meals. In-villa dining and wine tastings from the large wine cellar are other culinary highlights. Vijitt Resort is truly the all round luxury solution for the perfect Phuket holiday.
The Vijitt Resort Phuket Tel: +66 (0)76 363600 Fax: +66 (0)76 363699 E-mail: reservation@vijittresort.com
Alarms Phuket Services Advanced System Security
Protect your family, secure your property before it is too late ! French Branch European Service Private and Professional Guaranteed Fast and efficient service
Look and control cameras with your mobile phone
Security Alarm: Smoke detector, motion sensor, door sensor, glass break detector, beam sensor, medical button ( for the elderly or handicapped ), etc...
Video Surveillance (cctv & Ip camera): • • • • •
For your children when you are away or at work For your children when playing in the pool For your business: Keep an eye on your employees Lobby, Restaurant, Parking, etc... For your pet: Make sure they are well
Tel: 085 798 9469 ( English / French ) Email: contact@alarms-phuket-services.com
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20 / Food & Restaurants
Sunday Lunch at
The Savoury
T
Restaurant of the Vijitt Resort in Rawai
he Vijitt Resort Phuket’s open air restaurant is the ultimately relaxing spot for Sunday lunch….or indeed for lunch on any day of the week! Overlooking Chalong Bay and Koh Lon and Coral Islands, the beautiful restaurants sits alongside the pristine waters of Freindship Beach and the resort’s infinity edged pool amidst serene tropical gardens and flowers. Sunday Lunch Buffet is available from noon until 3pm and features both local and Western cuisine with a sensational and delicious food choices, from salads, vegetables, chicken, beef, pork, and lamb, to Barbeque and variety
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desert. Really you could not ask for anything more for the perfect Sunday Lunch.
• Baht 999 net per person with free flow soft drink. • Baht 1,299 net per person with a bottle of wine per couple. • Baht 2,999 net per person with a bottle of champagne per couple.
Half price for children aged 4-12 years, and free for children aged under 4 years. Complimentary use of 40m infinity edged swimming pool and Kids Club (for children).
The Vijitt Resort Phuket Viset Road, Rawai Tel: +66 (0) 76 363 600 Fax: +66 (0) 76 363 699 www.vijittresort.com
Food & Restaurants / 21
Y
es, you read that right! Those doyens of Scandinavian fine food and good living, the two eponymous chefs who own the Two Chefs Bar and Grill at Kata Center between Kata and Karon Beaches opposite the Dino Park, kick off the Phuket weekend early with their all-you-can-eat brunch every Saturday from noon until 3pm. The formula is an extremely beguiling one with an array of around forty freshlyprepared dishes from which to choose including fresh seafood, wonderful cuts of meat and Scandinavian specialties including Skärgårdstallrik (‘archipelago plate’; a
platter of cold fish, including strömming, gravlax and a variety of herring and whitefish) as well as a wide range of Thai dishes, desserts and freshly prepared banana and strawberry pancakes. The restaurant itself is a warm inviting space, where couples and families happily mingle while the unplugged trio of Megan and MJ sing and play their soothing music that seems to make the food and drinks all the more enjoyable and Saturday afternoons drift indulgently by. For 395 baht you can enjoy the all-youcan-eat food only option, or for just 695 baht go wild and have the free flow Carlsberg and wines thrown in with the food, to really get the weekend off to a flying start!
Get the Weekend Going with the
Two Chefs SATURDAY Brunch
Two Chefs Bar and Restaurant Kata Center Phone: 076 330 065 Email: katacenter@twochefs.com www.twochefs.com
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22 / Hotels & Accommodation
HoTEL HiGHLiGHTS PAToNG
Amari Coral Beach Resort +66 (0) 76 340 106-14 Andaman Beach Suites Hotel +66 (0) 76 341 879-83 B-Lay Tong +66 (0) 76 344 999 Banthai Beach Resort +66 (0) 76 340 850 Centra Ashlee Hotel Patong +66 (0) 7634 9800-7 Deevana Patong Resort & Spa +66 (0) 76 341 414-5 Duangjitt Resort & Spa + 66 (0) 76 342 090-4, 340 310-1 Le MĂŠridien Phuket Beach Resort +66 (0) 76 340 680-5 Holiday Inn Resort Phuket +66 (0) 76 340 608-9 Horizon Beach Resort Hotel +66 (0) 76 292 526-30
Patong Resort Hotel +66 (0) 76 340 551-4 www.patongresorthotel.com
Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket +66 (0) 76 201 234 www.centarahotelsresorts.com/cpbr Ramada Phuket Southsea +66 (0) 76 370 888 The Front Village +66 (0) 76 398 200-5
KATA BEACH
Alpina Phuket Nalina Resort and Spa +66 (0) 76 370 999
The Royal Paradise Hotel +66 (0) 76 340 666 www.royalparadise.com
Impiana Resort Patong, Phuket +66 (0) 76 340 138 www.impiana.com
BluEco Hotel +66 (0) 76 333 315 www.thebluecophuket.com
The 9th Floor Residence +66 (0) 76 344 987 www.roomsatthe9th.com
Merlin Beach Resort +66 (0) 76 294 300 www.merlinphuket.com Mercure Patong +66 (0) 76 302100 Novotel Phuket Resort +66 (0) 76 342 777 Patong Bay Garden Resort +66 (0) 76 292 914-5 Patong Merlin Hotel +66 76-340 037-41 Patong Paragon Resort & Spa +66 (0) 76-290-555 Royal Pawadee Village Hotel +66 (0) 76 344-622 Safari Beach Hotel +66 (0) 76 341 171-4 Salathai Resort +66 (0) 76 296 631
www.theguidephuket.com
The Nap Patong +66 (0) 76 296 631-4 Thara Patong Beach Resort & Spa +66 (0) 76-340 520
KARoN BEACH
Hilton Phuket Arcadia +66 76 396038-44 Horizon Karon Beach Resort & Spa +66 (0) 76 284 555 Karon Beach Resort +66 (0) 76 330 006-8 Karon Sea Sands Resort +66 (0) 76 286 464 Karona Resort & Spa +66 (0) 76 286 406-10 MĂśvenpick Resort & Spa +66 (0) 76 396 139-48 www.moevenpick-phuket.com Marina Phuket +66 (0) 76 330 497 Phuket Orchid Resort +66 (0) 76 396 519-23
Capannina Inn +66 (0) 76 284 450 www.phuket-capannina-inn.com Club Mediterane +66 (0) 76 330 455-60 Ibis Phuket Kata Hotel +66 (0) 2 659 2888 Kata Beach Resort +66 (0) 76 330 530-4 Kata Plam Resort & Spa +66 (0) 76 284 334-8 Katathani Phuket Beach Resort +66 (0) 76 330 124 Sugar Palm Resort & Spa +66 (0) 76 284 404 The Beach Boutique House +66 (0) 76 333 113
Hotels & Accommodation / 23 Twinpalms +66 (0) 76 316 500
KAMALA BEACH
Aquamarine Resort & Villa +66 (0) 76 310 600 Cape Sienna +66 76 337 300 Kamala Beach Estate +66 (0) 76 324 111-4 Kamala Beach Hotel & Resort +66 (0) 76 279 580-5
Two Chefs Bungalows +66 (0) 76 284 155 www.twochefs-phuket.com
BANG TAo BEACH
RAWAi BEACH & NAi HARN
Amora Beach Resort Phuket +66 (0) 76 324 021-2 Bangtao Beach Resort +66 (0) 76 270680-5 Banyan Tree Phuket +66 (0) 76 324 374 Dusit Laguna Resort Hotel +66 (0) 76 324 324 Movenpick Residence +66 (0) 76 396 139 Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort & Villas +66 (0) 76 336 900 Laguna Beach Resort Phuket +66 (0) 76 324 352
SURiN BEACH
The Surin Phuket +66 (0) 76 324 017-20
All Season Naiharn Phuket Hotel + 66 (0) 76 289 333 Friendship Bungalow +66 (0) 76 288 996 Goden Tulip Mangosteen Resort & Spa +66 (0) 76 289 399
Serenity Resort & Residences +66 (0) 76 371 900 www.serenityphuket.com
The Evason Phuket +66 (0) 76 381 010-7 The Vijitt Resort Phuket +66 (0) 76 363 600 The Royal Meridien Phuket Yacht Club +66 (0) 76 381 360-6
NAiYANG & NAiTHoRN Dewa Phuket +66 (0) 76 372 300 Naithon Buri Beach Resort +66 (0) 76 318 700 Indigo Pearl +66 (0) 76 327 006-9 Naiyang Beach Resort +66 (0) 76 328 300
MAiKHAo
Sala Phuket Resort and Spa +66 (0) 76 338 888 www.salaphuket.com
Health & Beauty Clinique
“ONE STOP BEAUTY SERVICE” Hair Salon • Hair Extension • Eyelash Extension • Eyelash & Eyebrows Tinting • Make Up Nail Care • Manicure & Pedicure • Gel Nail & Acrylic Nail Extension • Nail Art Decoration Facial Treatment with Pure Collagen • Face Lift without Surgery • Luxury 24K Facial Treatment Body Treatment • Massage • Waxing • Slim & Firming Program Non-Ivasive
Contact: 076 271 373 - 4 Open daily 10am – 7pm
3/2 – 5 Moo 5 Cherngtalay, Bangtao Beach, Phuket Email: info@senses.co.th www.senses.co.th
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24 / Watersports & Activities
Monkey-ing About at Xtrem Aventure Park
Our indomitable cub reporter Samson Wilkinson (aged nine), brings his own unique style of reportage to a morning spent at the Xtrem Aventure Park in Chalong near the Big Buddha.
C
orrr….wow… fantastic!! I’ve just had the bestest weekend ever. I went to the Xtrem Aventure Park last Saturday and spent the morning swinging about in the trees on all sorts of amazing pulleys, rides, harnesses and even something called a “Flying Fox” although I think a “Flying Samson” would have been a better description!! We arrived at 10am and climbed up the steep hill above the colorful Luang Pu Suppha Temple below the Big Buddha on the mountainside. The views over Phuket are great and the forest here has lots of big trees and birds and it’s quiet and lovely….or it was until I arrived! The instructors greeted us and gave us lots of careful information about how to wear the harness; clip onto the ropes; use our pulley and then have fun on all the adventure stations that are up in the trees. I felt great and really grown up with my safety helmet and all my gear on and after the training session it was time to head up into the treetops to begin my great monkey-ing adventure. Yeah!!!!! There are 69 different adventure stations, arranged into four levels of difficulty in the trees….Blue 1 and Blue 2 which are easier, then Red which is a bit more difficult and then Black which is challenging and which I will come back to do once I have grown a bit more. There’s also the Accro Spider section with 21 stations with netting under all of them so you don’t need a harness and even little kids of five can go on the stations. I started on the first level Blue 1 course with my guide who was called ‘Boy’ just like I am! It was fantastic and I did lots of climbs, jumps, slides, walks across ropes and tiny platforms and then the great ‘Flying Fox’. I got more confident and better at balancing and knowing what to do, so then I went on the Blue 2 and finally the Red course. We were there all morning and stopped for some food and coffee in the wooden restaurant overlooking the quiet valley…..but only for a couple of minutes because I just wanted to keep monkey-ing about in those trees all day. Yeah brilliant….when can we come back Dad??
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Watersports & Activities / 25 Kata & Karon
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Phuket Xtrem Aventure Park T. Chalong, A. Muang, Phuket 83000 Tel/Fax : +66 (0)76 383 689 Mobile : +66 (0)81 536 8909 E-mail : info@xtremadventuresphuket.com
Karon Beach
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Xtrem Aventure is a French company that pioneered treetop adventure parks from 2005 onwards. There are now over 600 such parks in France and all the installations in the Phuket park are constructed to the same exacting international standards and testing. All the installations are continuously assessed by an independent professional company - Ceres Control France (www.cerescontrol.fr) Regular checks are performed by a botanical expert to insure that fitting adjustments are made whenever necessary to preserve the health of the park’s environment. Before accessing the games, customers receive a thorough briefing and training explaining all the safety rules that they will have to respect scrupulously The customers must wear proper shoes (sport shoes style) and must be in good physical and mental condition.
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26 / Food & Restaurants
In the Kitchen with... Two Chefs
A
Home... Home on the Cooking Range!
rainy “green season” night in September isn’t the most propitious time to find a warm, welcoming party with good food and uplifting music in deepest darkest Kata. Yet such was our desire, and indeed our mission, as we set off through the slashing monsoonal gusts of rain and drove over to Two Chefs on Koktanod Road parallel to Kata beach. Along the way, other restaurants and bars were dark and shuttered against the rain and low season quietude. But as we pulled up at Two Chefs – what a contrast! We were greeted by a bright and happy wave of energy encompassing laughter, lively chatter, uplifting music, clinking glasses and the unmistakable aroma of good food “We’ve struck gold partner!” Into the happy throng we plunged to be warmly welcomed by the extremely comely staff and shown to a table amidst the music, energy and… well, downright It was the much loved “Cowboy hedonism. Buffet” night at Two Chefs a case of It was the sort of party that you sometimes drive past and which you wish you’d “Home, Home on the Cooking Range” been invited….but we had been, and all for to be sure. just 495 baht a head (or 250 baht for the kiddies who are made very welcome) covIt wasn’t lost on us that the comely ering the extensive all-you-can eat buffet, waitresses and the equally comely raventhe music and a hearty injection of much haired Philippina singers - Megan and MJ -needed happiness on a drear and rainy were dashing about wearing cowboy hats. Monday night.
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Yes, it was the much loved “Cowboy Buffet” night at Two Chefs a case of “Home, Home on the Cooking Range” to be sure. We dived headlong into the buffet which fairly groaned under the weight of assorted comestibles ranging from salads, smoked salmon, red and black snapper fillets, chili con carne and pork fillet skewers, through to Mexican favorites like tacos, nachos and chicken fajitas and on to hardcore cowboy tucker like hickory flavored pork ribs, bacon and beans. But, “Hey, steady up there Cowboy”… leave some tummy space for the fried bananas, cheese cake, chocolate cake, apple crumble with homemade vanilla sauce, strawberries and whipped cream. There are in fact three Two Chefs restaurants in Phuket…the others being on the headland between Kata and Karon Beaches and also over in Karon village near
Food & Restaurants / 27
the Centara Resort. They have in common a terrific ability to bring good times, good food and reasonable prices to visitors and residents of Phuket alike and that is why they are so popular… even on the dreariest low season night. They also offer Surf Night and Tex-Mex Buffet nights in addition to their famous Saturday Brunch buffet at the Kata/Karon headland outlet, and of course with the quality of their food and their reasonable prices, pretty much every night is party night at Two Chefs. There is no question that the Swedish owners, who are in fact the eponymous “Two Chefs”, have hit upon a formula that is making them one of the happiest, fun places to be for good food and good times at the most reasonable prices in Phuket. Whatever the time of year and the weather conditions we can only say, hitch your pony to your wagon and head on over to Two Chefs….you won’t be disappointed.
TwoChefs @ Kata Beach Phone: (66) 076 284 155 Mobile: (66) 081 979 6285 E-mail: info@twochefs-phuket.com TwoChefs @ Kata Center Mobile: (66) 089 195 7928 E-mail: katacenter@twochefs-phuket.com TwoChefs @ Karon Beach Phone: (66) 076 286 479 E-mail: karon@twochefs-phuket.com www.facebook.com/theguidephuket
28 / Food & Restaurants
Restaurant LE CELTIQUE French Cuisine
French specialities; snails, white asparagus, scallops, saffron sauce and an excellent pork hock or a rack of lamb with goat cheese. Bertrand is the king of sauces, and Lek always welcomes you warmly. 80/90 Moo 7, Soi Samakea 4, Saiyuan Road, T. Rawai, Phuket. Tel. 076 613 098 E-mail: celtiquethai@hotmail.com Location: Saiyuan Road, Rawai
Blue Elephant Royal Thai Cuisine
Taking a grand location in the governor mansion in old Phuket Town this beautiful restaurant serves traditional royal Thai cuisine and holds daily cooking
“All the flavours of typical Italian cuisine with the atmosphere of Italian festive days” Open daily from 11am till late Phone / Fax: +66 (0) 76 284318 www.capannina-phuket.com 30/9 Kata Road T.Karon A.Muang Phuket 83100 THAILAND
classes as well. Tel. 076 354 355, 076 354 357 E-mail phuket@blueelephant.com www.blueelephant.com Location: Phuket Town
IndoChine Waterfront Restaurant Indochine & European Cuisine
In the same concept as the iconic Singapore Waterfront restaurant, famous Indochine and European dishes are served. Open 17.00 to 23.00 hours with Sunday Brunch starting at noon. www.indochinephuket.com Location: Kalim Beach
“We are just a few steps away from Kata Beach, one of the most attractive beaches in Phuket” Phone / Fax: +66 (0) 76 284450 www.phuket-capannina-inn.com 98/84-85 Kata Rd., T.Karon, A. Muang Phuket 83100 THAILAND
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Davinci Restaurant Italian Cuisine
Set in a courtyard and offering friendly al fresco dining conducive to relaxing meals with happy gatherings of family and friend, children are welcome. Tel. 076 289 574 www.davinciphuket.com Location: Nai Harn
Food & Restaurants / 29
HighlightS The East 88 Beach Lounge International & Thai
East 88 Beach Lounge is Phuket’s coolest restaurant and bar located right by the sea within Serenity Resort & Residences. Lounge or dine in style and enjoy the view over Chalong Bay while being pampered by our team, food, drinks and cool vibes. “Special events, theme evenings and happenings” Happy hour from 17.00 – 19.00h. Free use of pool facilities for customers. Tel. 076 371 900 Location: Rawai
www.serenityphuket.com
CapaNnina Italian Cuisine
This place offers the best pizza in Phuket, by far, with good choice and quality ingredients. Mario, the boss, is “al forno” making pizza himself. The pasta dishes are also perfect, We recommend the 4-cheese penne, seafood spaghetti ‘scoglio’ red sauce or tagliatelle with porcini mushrooms. There is also a great variety of fresh and cooked salads for the lighter option. Tel. 076 284 318 www.capannina-phuket.com Location: Kata
Two Chefs International
We are proud to introduce our delicious food - imported juicy steaks, fresh seafood, pasta, modern Thai food and much more. Enjoy your food in one of our nice restaurants with a good glass of wine from our extensive international wine list. We also serve breakfast, lunch, texmex menu, and Saturday Brunch. Open Daily 0800 - 2400. Kata : 076-28 41 55 Kata Centre : 076 33 00 65 Karon : 076-28 64 79 www.twochefs-phuket.com Location : Kata, Karon
Full Moon Brew Work International
Small batch, handcrafted beer served with freshly made food. What else could you ask for? A relaxed atmosphere and good prices? Ok you got it! Open daily for lunch and dinner this is Patong’s only micro-brewery. Tel. 076 366 753 www.facebook.com/fullmoonbrewwork Location: Patong
Mare is the signature Italian restaurant of Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket, overlooking the beach, serving pizza and pasta during the day, and a blend of classical and innovative Italian cuisine in the evening. The restaurant is equipped with its own bar and private wine room. Our Italian Chef will delight you with a delectable selection of traditional and modern Italian dishes. Featuring an extensive wine cellar with a large variety of wines, will complement whatever dish you choose. Open daily from 11.30 - 00.30 hrs. for more information or reservations please contact 076 201 234 Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket 683 Patak Road, Karon Beach, Karon Muang, Phuket 83100, Thailand
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30 / Food & Restaurants
ResTauRanT highlighTs The 9Th FlooR BaR and ResTauRanT Mediterranean
The 9th Floor Bar & Restaurant, Patong’s highest ‘open-air’ restaurant on the top floor of the Sky Inn Condotel, is a hidden treasure dedicated to the enjoyment of fine, fresh Mediterranean, Alpine and Thai food, a comprehensive list of some of the best wines available, beautiful well-trained waitresses and a warm, elegant ambience reminiscent of a sophisticated members’ club. Tel. 076 344 311 www.the9thfloor.com Location: Patong
sala ResTauRanT International cuisine & Thai food
SALA Phuket Restaurant offers an exceptional blend of mouthwatering international cuisine and scrumptious traditional Thai delicacies. Serve fresh seafood, exceptional international cuisine and Thai favourites. Tel. 076 338 888 www.salaphuket.com
Location: Maikhao
giogioRne ResTauRanT Italian & Thai Food
Newly opened Giogiorne Italian & Thai Restaurant in Kata Beach serves a range of delicious Italian and Thai delights. Located on Kata Road just before the Kata Palm resort. The restaurant is open from 10.30am – 23.00 daily. Tel. 076 330 679, 081 797 0679 E-mail giogiorne@hotmail.com Location: Kata
WhiTe Box Fusion Cuisine
The cuisine here is refined. Stand out dishes include the tuna carpaccio and tuna tartare, ribeye and tenderloin beef. My personal favourite is the wagyu tartare, just a little bit spicy to help compliment the flavor of the meat. For fish lovers there is the excellent snowfish, and for Asian food there is a variety of dishes including Massaman curry. A great choice of wine, friendly welcome and beautiful surroundings. www.whiteboxrestaurant.com Location: Patong Beach www.theguidephuket.com
Food & Restaurants / 31
Acqua Restaurant and Tommasi Wines host the Ultimate Wine Dinner
A
lessandro Frau the owner of Acqua Restaurant on the hillside near Kalim Beach is not just one of Phuket’s finest chefs, but is an inventive artist who has created a work of art out of his glorious gourmet restaurant. All the elements of layout and design are beautifully rendered and all coordinate to create a haven of exquisite taste and style. Acqua and Alessandro are famous for their wine pairing dinners and have generated a large and enthusiastic following of ‘foodies’ on Phuket. It was no surprise then that on a rainy Monday evening in monsoonal September their wine dinner with Italy’s famous Tommasi Wines was completely sold out. As one of the lucky couples in attendance we were treated to a fabulous evening not only of food and wine, but also a gloriously hedonistic party where the socializing was as enthralling as the cuisine itself. Tommasi were established almost 110 years ago and have built an enviable reputation for their Valpollicella and of course the world-famous Amerone Classico and their globe-trotting representative Elena Bortoletto was visiting us to present the wines. Alessandro paired Risotto Carnaroli with quail ragout, duck liver and one of his signatures….fresh black truffles with the Valpollicella. The main course of slow-cooked beef short rib in an Amerone and herb sauce was an immense complement to the Amerone, so that by almost midnight Acqua was still heaving with happy dinners refusing to go home and baying for more. The only thing we can advise is to make sure you get your name down early for all future Acqua wine dinners or just visit on a normal evening and enjoy the full attention of Alessandro in his wonderfully creative restaurant.
Acqua Restaurant 324/15 Prabaramee Road, Kalim Bay, Patong, Phuket Tel. 076 618127 www.acquarestaurantphuket.com
OPEN DAILY
LUNCH : 11.30 to 14.30 hours
DINNER : 18.30 to 22.30 hours
Phuket (Governor Mansion) 96, Krabi Road, Phuket Town (Previously Pra Phitak Chyn Pracha Mansion) คฤหาสน์พระพิทักษ์ชินประชา Tel. +66 (0) 76 354 355-7 Fax. +66 (0) 76 354 393 E-mail: phuket@blueelephant.com Bangkok Tel. +66 (0) 2 673 9353-8 Fax. +66 (0) 2 673 9355 E-mail: cooking.school@blueelephant.com www.blueelephant.com
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32 / Food & Restaurants
Small salad of Asian greens with roasted sea scallops.
Home made tagliolini with duck ragout, thin slices of Foie Gras terrine and leek puree.
Italian leavened red wine cake with caramelized pear, black pepper and parmesan cream and saffron ice cream.
Light creamy polenta bramata with roasted tiger prawn.
Castello de Banfi Wine dinner at Mare Restaurant
T
he Independent Wine and Spirit (Thailand) Company and Centara Grand Beach Resort recently held the “Castello de Banfi Wine Dinner” accompanied by a sumptuous meal cooked by resort Italian Chef, Fabrizio Crocetta at Mare Restaurant. This was an exclusive wine dinner presented by Guillaume Banchard, Regional Manager of Castello de Banfi. Castello Banfi is a family-owned vineyard estate and winery in the Brunello region of Tuscany. Together with its sister estates in Piedmont, Vigne Regali and Principessa Gavi, it has become recognized the world over for its dedication to excellence and sparking a renaissance in the art of Italian winemaking. The five selected Castello de Banfi wines served with a flavorful five-course menu included Small salad of Asian greens with roasted sea scallops, tomato and hibiscus granita and bourbon vanilla sentenced olive oil; Light creamy polenta bramata with roasted tiger prawn, beef cheek stew and shaved pecorino cheese; Home made tagliolini with duck ragout, thin slices of Foie Gras terrine and leek puree; Slices of slow cooked beef tenderloin on his juice with salted peanut sponge and sautéed baby spinach with wild flower honey; Italian leavened red wine cake caramelized pear, black pepper and parmesan cream and saffron ice cream.
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From left: Christophe Gestin, Resort Director of Food & Beverage; Mr Banchard; Morgan Morel, Brand Manager Wine of Independent Wine and Spirit (Thailand) Co., Ltd.; Pascal Frei, Food & Beverage Manager of Serenity Resort & Residences; Mr Conrad and Opas Damrongkul, Resort Resident Manager.
Food & Restaurants / 33
T
daVinci Wine dinner
he Andaman Wine Club in association with BB&B (Bangkok Beer & Bevearge) recently held a blind wine tasting followed by a wine dinner at the DaVinci restaurant in Nai Harn. The evening commenced with a glass of Prosecco in the V Lounge and then proceeded into the DaVinci Function room featuring its tastefully themed palazzo style black and white decor. The first part of the evening consisted of a blind tasting of ten different wines from around the world with the theme of the night being: “What is a Good or Bad Wine?� Over 20 people participated in the blind tasting using a marking system from Australia which gave points for several characteristics including the visual aspect, color, smell, taste, complexity, structure and overall appreciation of the wines. The wines featured ranged from low to high priced wines from America, France, Chile, South Africa and Australia. The winner of the evening was a Penfolds RWT Barossa Valley Shiraz followed closely by a Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley However there was no such
thing as a bad wine all evening and they only varied by the appreciation given to any particular the wine and its value for money. The blind tasting was followed by a wine dinner from the DaVinci team which included Tenuta di Biserno Il Pino.
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34 / Health & Beauty
Review
Take a Wellness Break
Think of a holiday in Phuket and most people think of sun, sea, parties and great food, right? Now, think again! How about a wellness break?
D
id you know that Phuket is home to numerous wellness retreat and detox centers offering healing, Reiki, detox and other great holiday tune ups that can help to make your holiday happier, healthier and fitter? The newest of these is the Provolution Center in Pahklok, just across from the Heroine’s monument. It is run by Phuket’s Michael and Orranut Stephens, who are both Reiki Masters and have authored two wellness books called “Provolution” and “Equanimous”. Rather than a morning at the beach, how about booking a session of Reiki, with Michael and Orranut and enjoying a relaxing healing process that will offer you amaz-
Phuket offers so much to so many people, and now it offers a way to create a happier, healthier holiday with more than just memories to take home and cherish.
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Health & Beauty / 35
Spa Highlight Provolution Center Phuket
Provolution Center Phuket is the Phuket wellness center of Michael & Orranut Stephens offering reiki energy therapy, intuitive card reading, meditation classes, reiki certification, and free personal development books and downloads.
ing insights into how to de-stress, relax and unwind when you get back home? Or perhaps you would like some deeper insight with Orranut, who works with cards and channels guidance to help you get fitter and happier faster? Her skills have been called “Amazing” and “Astounding” by her international clientele. Or maybe you want to take home a new regime of meditation and self-awareness that is designed to create a daily practice by which you can handle the daily rigors of working life back in your home city? Phuket offers so much to so many people, and now it offers a way to create a happier, healthier holiday with more than just memories to take home and cherish. At Provolution Center Pahklok, you can take home wellness that will last a lifetime. Contact Michael: 081 446 7714 www.provolutioncenter.com
Tel. 081 446 7714 www.provolutioncenter.com
The Oasis Spa Phuket
The ultimate spa experience where treatments are created combining ancient secrets and advanced discoveries in beauty and wellness. Luxurious Spas designed with a Thai atmosphere to allow clients to enjoy superior service without unnecessary formality. Open 3 Branches in Phuket Laguna, Bang Tao Phuket Kamala Phuket Kata Phuket Tel. 076 337 777 www.phuketoasis.com www.facebook.com/theguidephuket
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Spa Highlight
Health & Beauty / 37
Fasting & Detoxing with Atsumi Healing
The main reason people come to The Atsumi Retreat Healing Center in Thailand is to “Fast and Cleanse” their system of physical and emotional toxins that accumulate from modern stressful lifestyles. We strongly recommend a ten day fasting program, in which time the blood is completely purified. Naturally you will lose weight, usually one kilo per day for men, and half a kilo per day for women. For those with little time or who want to “dip their toes in the water,” we also have four day programs. Tel. +66 (0) 8 1272 0571, Thai enquiries: +66 (0) 8 4051 7455 www.atsumihealing.com
Hiranyikara Spa Indulge your body, mind and spirit. Located in peaceful surroundings, Hiranyikara is the perfect, soothing haven to hide away from the city’s turbulence, where you can indulge yourself in the various relaxing spa and health treatments to soothe your pains, calm your mind and uplift your spirits. It is an ideal place to recharge your batteries after a long hard day. With our range of spa services we can pamper you with our highly experienced male therapists. Tel. +66 (0) 7620 3280 www.hiranyikara.com
5 Star Massage
5 Star Massage in Patong is a unique, elegant, modern and comfortable salon where the very well-trained staff offer a complete range of massage and beauty treatment services at reasonable prices. 5 Star Massage is French owned and managed. All the massage girls are certified from massage schools in Thailand and only offer authentic massage services that will make you leave refreshed, revitalized and rejuvenated. Open Daily 10.00-23.00 and offering great value for money. Tel: 089 535 4637 www.5-star-massage.com
A Spa with men in We are the 1st luxury spa for men located among peaceful nature about 200 meters away from Kathu community area, only 10 minute from Phuket town and 15 minute from Patong Beach Hiranyikara is the perfect soothing haven to hide away from the city’s turbulence, where you can indulge yourself in the various relaxing spa and health treatment to soothe your pains, calm your mind and up lift your spirits.
SenSes Health & Beauty Clinique
Welcome to SenSes where international health and beauty has been taken very seriously since July 2004. Luxurious treatment rooms, professional staff, a vast range of high quality, natural products and treatments for all forms of pain and stress relief will leave you refreshed, rejuvenated and ready for a most interesting beauty experience.
Tel: +66 76 271 373 – 4 www.senses.co.th
Further information pls. visit www.hiranyikara.com or send me an e-mail at info@hiranyikara.com TEL.+66 (0) 76 203280-1 , MB + 66(0) 81 370 0202 www.facebook.com/theguidephuket
38 / Watersports & activities
day Tripper T
here are scores of alternative tours on offer in Phuket: boat trips; pristine tropical islands; sunset cruises; eco-tours; jungle trekking, elephant rides etc. We consider only a small number of these to be quality experiences. Price is not the only factor, though generally you do get what you pay for: buy the cheapest tour and you can expect to spend the day with a crowd of other tourists seeking the cheapest way.
www.theguidephuket.com
Phang nga Bay day Trips (or James Bond island)
No visit to Phuket would be really complete if one never got to see and wonder at the geographic grandeur of Phang Nga Bay. Every visitor, surely, must have seen photos of Phuket’s neighbouring bay of gigantic rock mountains rising vertically from calm, olive-green waters even before getting here. The sight of Phang Nga is dramatic, and being surrounded by these towering rocky monoliths is surely one of the highlights of a visit to Phuket. We strongly recommend a visit here.
Koh Pannyi – also in Phang nga Bay (or sea gypsy village)
Following the visit to crowded James Bond the cheaper tours shepherd their clients to Koh Pannyi island, the stilted water village seen in so many postcards. Often given the tourist name of Sea Gypsy village, it is in fact a community of Muslim fishermen, not sea gypsies. This village is indeed fascinating. It’s a pity about the tourist crowds; all tours companies arrive here at the same time for lunch, bringing up to 2-3,000 people every day. Although worth a visit, there are better ways to get to Pannyi than by mass tourism.
Watersports & activities / 39
Boat cruises to Phang nga
sea Kayaking
The boat tours to Phang Nga Bay – the kind that leave from Phuket Island - usually cruise past the James Bond commotion without stopping, continuing their quiet journey through the bay of mountains. This is by far the molst preferable way to visit this geographically spectacular region.
Many visitors consider a canoeing trip into the ‘hongs’, the hidden caves of Phang Nga, the highlight of their visit to Phuket. This mystical world of collapsed caves connected to the sea by dark tunnels has been eroded from the limestone mountains over time by the rise and fall of the sea. Numerous companies have sprung up, and it is worth looking around to avoid the cheap quickies. Sign up with one of the well-established companies, or with original company that discovered the hongs and began it all, Sea Canoe. This can be an unforgettable trip well worth the time and money.
Renting your own speedboat Interestingly, most of the beautiful images of tranquil little islands and fabulously clear waters are taken on the outlying islands, not on Phuket itself. The only way to get to these islands is by renting a boat, and since there are few regular services your only option is to privately hire a speedboat for the day, although this is expensive it will provide you with memories to last a lifetime.
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40 / Lifestyle
I Fancy
FantaSea By Samson Wilkinson….(Aged 9)
Our junior correspondent brings his own unique style to a visit to Phuket’s FantaSea - the most amazing theme park and cultural show in Asia.
www.theguidephuket.com
C
orrrr….today is going to be a great day ‘cos my dad is taking us to visit FantaSea over near Kamala Beach for the evening. Corrrrr! FantaSea is really famous and all my pals were green with envy as they’d all heard about how much fun it was!! FantaSea is just huge and as you walk up to it you can see lots of jugglers and fire twirlers and scary Thai guardian statues and stuff. We went in about seven in the evening and walked about the giant Carnival Village where lots of people show off local arts and crafts and my mum went wild shopping. I had an ice cream and watched the parades and you can even go on an elephant ride if you like, although I didn’t cuz I felt a bit scared… though don’t tell anyone that. Then we went into the Tiger Jungle Adventure where we saw real tigers and pelicans and other animals in all sorts of environments. But
Lifestyle / 41
all this excitement had made me really hungry, so it was just as well that we went to the buffet. The buffet is huge with miles of food, so that even I, who mum calls a “walking dustbin” couldn’t eat it all. There was Thai food, seafood and salads (yuck!) and desserts (yeah!). The dining room has 4,000 seats, I counted them all while dad had some beer and began looking happy, until I shouted, “Come on, let’s go!!!” So we went to the show itself. It was in a huge theatre with trees and things growing all over and birds flying about inside and hundreds of people. Yeah! The show started with a grand procession of elephants, drummers and fire jugglers which came right through the audience. I remember the huge elephant’s ears flapping and I could even smell them as they went past! The show was great and had lots of battles, explosions, shadow puppets and a few lovey-dovey bits between girls and boys…those bits were totally “yuck” of course! My favorite bits were when the flying trapeze men came down in their Day-Glo suits and hung from the roof and did the most incredible acrobatics on the end of like giant elastic cables. When I grow up that’s what I want to be. I used to want to be a train driver…but now I want to be a flying trapeze man for sure, though it could be a bit dangerous!
My other favorite bit was the Siamese twins who were hilarious and kept getting people out of the audience to play tricks on them like cutting them in half and then joining them together again. I mean how do they do that??? I must try it on our cat when I get home. At the end of the show they even made a giant elephant disappear. I just don’t have any idea how they did that. I mean I can make a lot of food disappear, but even I couldn’t eat an elephant. I had such a great time that when I fell asleep I had dreams about flying through the air on a trapeze and making elephants disappear. In fact, my dreams were almost as good as going to FantaSea and I can’t wait for my cousins to come to Phuket, so that we all get to go there again. Please visit www.phuket-fantasea.com, or for reservations call +66 76 385 111.
Patong Resort’s enviable location, well appointed rooms, excellent facilities and extensive grounds make it the perfect choice for any visitor to the tropical paradise of Phuket. Just 45 minutes from Phuket International Airport. Divine Dining; Meat eater will love the Roof Top Steak House on the 8th floor of the Main Building. The charcoal grill kitchen serves tasty and juicy imported steaks, complemented by wine from an extensive wine list. Easy access to Patong Beach, night bazaar and entertainment areas.
Phuket Office: Tel. +66 7634 055 – 4 Fax. +66 7634 0189 E-mail: info@patongresorthotel.com
Bangkok Office : Tel . +66 2 235 9040, +66 234 2406 Fax. +66 2 234 9007 E-mail : bangkok@patongresorthotel.com
www.patongresorthotel.com
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42 / Watersports & Activities
www.theguidephuket.com
Property / 43 177/34 Moo 4, Srisoonthorn Rd., Srisoonthorn Thalang, Phuket 83110, Thailand Contact: Phuket +66 (0)898 739 474 or +66 (0)76 620 055 Email: property@phuket.net realestate.phuket.net Kata
THB 99m
Kata
THB 26.5m
Surin
THB 25.5m
Rawai
THB 10.9m
Exquisite Villa
Amazing Views
Balinese Villa
Affordable Luxury
A very special home set on a hillside with stunning ocean views. This beautiful property features 5 bedrooms plus 2 study rooms, a therapy room, sauna, purpose-built wine cellar as well as an elevator.
Spacious ocean view 2-bedroom foreign freehold condo in one of Phuket’s most sought-after condo developments, boasting one of the best views on the island. The unit is fully-furnished and offers excellent rental potential.
Beautifully designed 3 bedroom villa located within walking distance to Bangtao Beach. The villa is set on a large 940 sqm plot with spacious pool deck and ample room for outdoor entertaining.
Brand new single-storey pool villa near Rawai Beach with private pool and landscaped garden built to very high standards not normally found in this price range. Furniture package included!
Koh Kaew
Patong
THB 52m
THB 21m
THB 5.5m
Kamala
THB 8.9m
Kamala
Stunning Marina Villa
Sea View Villa
Freehold Condo
Freehold Condos
Stunning property boasting 5 bedrooms and an expansive living area with a large secluded swimming pool and terrace all located in a lush tropical garden.
Patong: Elegant 3 bedroom residences situated on the hill just south of Patong with outstanding sea views overlooking the bay and are within just 5 minutes drive to the centre of Patong.
Beautifully furnished spacious 1 bedroom condo with a total 77 sqm of living space. Located in a popular resort development with strong rental returns
Modern 2-bedroom condominiums designed by Australian architect with spacious free-flowing interiors in an ideal location just 200 meters from Kamala Beach.
SALES & RENTALS AGENCY
Office located at entrance to Laguna Phuket Contact: Phuket +66(0)81 892 4741 or +66(0)81 979 3369 Email: info@phuketrealty.net www.phuketrealty.net
Make an Offer
21 million THB
13 million THB
72 million THB
DELUXE T/HOUSE - LAGUNA Located within the immensely popular Laguna Phuket, 3/4 beds, private pool, overlooking lagoon and greenery. Deluxe model, best on market at best price.
VILLA - BANGTAO Divine 3 bed villa with private pool, walking distance to the white powdery shores of Bangtao Beach, next to Laguna Phuket and all it’s amenities. Priced to sell.
PENTHOUSE - BANGTAO
VILLA - SURIN
Top floor penthouse with private pool, metres to the beach. Two oversized bedrooms with private bathrooms and large open living area. Finance available.
The ultimate in sea-view luxury and Thai tropical living, this 4 bedroom villa has all the modern comforts and incredible Surin, sunset views. With a proven high rental return, making it an excellent investment property as well.
35,000 THB/MTH
6 Million THB
Rentals & Sales
7 million THB
VILLA - NEAR LAGUNA Perfectly located, one bedroom private pool and jacuzzi villa with garden, oversized terrace for outdoor entertaining, kitchenette, four poster bed with walk-in-robe, ensuite bathroom. Just next to Laguna and only mins from the hub of Bangtao.
VILLA - NEAR LAGUNA A fantastic investment property ideal for long term rentals or private use. One bedroom villa with living room, kitchen, undercover parking, oversized bedroom with four poster bed, walk-in-robe, office, large bathroom with tub and outdoor shower. All topped off with a private 9m lap pool and water feature.
VILLA - SAI TAAN
LAND 1 RAI SEA-VIEW - AO POR
We have a lovely collection of rental and resale properties at the very popular Sai Taan residence, just outside the gates of Laguna Phuket. 3-4 beds, with large pool, gardens & fully furnished. Call us for further details on pricing and availability.
A perfect piece of land to build your dream Phuket property, with the picturesque backdrop of the islands’ off Phuket and the green tropical nature surrounds. The land is filled, retained and has full infrastructure, ready to build.
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44 / Lifestyle
Shopper’s
Delight ative and interesting. There is a fair range spread around the island, but you’ll have to drive and hunt to find it all.
Thai Silk
Long one of Thailand’s most famous products, silk weaving is still one of the major crafts in many rural areas. The variety of materials available in Phuket is wide and varies both in design, from the traditional to modern to plain colors, and quality; 2-ply is thin and light, 3-ply or more becomes heavier and more expensive. Tailors, jewelry and souvenir shops in all areas carry silk. Many shops will tailor modern dresses or shorts from silk at a fraction of the price you would pay back home.
Woodcarving
Most of this comes from the craft centers of Chiang Mai and again Thai skills show through in a great variety of items that can be both novel and creative or entirely traditional. Buddha images are one of the standards, but you can find figurines of all kinds and many other offbeat items for home decoration. Thailand makes some great teak furniture, though only a little is available in Phuket.
ning entrepreneurs crafted and carefully ‘aged’ wood, bronze and stone artworks to sell off as genuine antiques. But they produced such beautiful things that demand grew, and the industry came out into the open. Today whole villages of skilled workers produce beautiful objects of art that appear ancient, but which are sold cheaply as ‘reproductions’. This makes ‘antiques’ available to everyone and takes the pressure off the genuinely old things. Best of all, virtually no-one can tell the difference between the real thing and the reproduction that you place in your home.
Custom Tailoring
This is definitely bargain country in Phuket. Tailors
Instant Antiques
Ceramics
The two major centers for ceramic production are the well-known Chiang Mai, and Ratburi west of Bangkok. They produce an amazing range of wares from very traditional Thai and even Chinese tableware and decorative items to modern home decor items, the biggest of which you’ll need a truck to move. Some of these more modern items are crewww.theguidephuket.com
This sounds like a contradiction, but this is now a thriving new industry in Thailand that arose in response to the overwhelming demand for beautiful old things and the short supply. Originally, cun-
can import their wares easily to Phuket and their overhead costs are low. Skills range from excellent to barely adequate, so look carefully and you can go home with both quality and
real savings. It is important to start with a tailor early in your visit because at least two visits will be required, and those who are a little more finicky should plan on three visits to get things just right. Allow two or three days between each visit. The Guide Phuket recommends: Mister Singh’s Fashion Gallery, Patong Beach, www. fashiongallery.com. James Fashion House, Karon Beach, www.jamesfashionhouse.com.
Central Festival Phuket - Phuket Town
With over 120,000 square meters bursting with prime shopping opportunities and world-class products it is easy to see why this consummate one-stop shopping and entertainment complex is so popular amongst Phuket residents and visitors. With a large selection of shops, restaurants, coffee shops, plus a supermarket and cinemas you can enjoy the largest, most complete shopping and entertainment complex in southern Thailand.
Jungceylon Patong Beach
Located centrally in Patong Beach is the newest addition to the growing trend of shopping malls in Phuket.
Lifestyle / 45
N
To Kamala Beach, Surin Beach 00 IndoChine
00 WHITE BOX
Patong Beach
00 Brush Restaurant &
Lounge
Da Maurizio
00 00 Diamond Cliff
Baan Rim Pa 00
00 Novotel
To Phuket Town . PHRA BARAMI RD
‘Jungceylon‘ was the old name for Phuket when it was still a prosperous port town and trading in the region was at its peak. This shopping mall retains a lot of the old history of Phuket in its architecture and style and is a joy to visit for this alone. The choice of goods is world-class, comprising well over 300 shops with ample car parking space, restaurants, bars, cinema and bowling alley along with everything else you could possibly need for a busy day shopping.
00 00
HOTEL IBIS PATONG
D. IR
CHALERM P 00 HRAK IAT RD. 00
The Nap Patong 00
HAT PATONG RD.
Joy Café
00
Club Andaman
00 Royal Phawadee Village
SAWAD IRAK RD.
00 00 Salathai Resort Thara Patong & Spa
00
Salabua Rest. 00
00 Sky Inn 00 The 9th Floor
00
Sphinx Restaurant 00 And Theatre
Impiana Phuket 00
00 Patong Grand Condotel
International Real Estate
00
N RA PHISIT KO
Andaman Beach Suites 00
RAT-U-THIT RD.
THAWEEWONG
RD.
00 Andatel Hotel
Loma Park
Weekend Market - Phuket town
. N RD M YE 00 SAI NA 00
00
The Royal
00 Paradise
00 La Flora 00
00
00
00 Patong Seafood
LA RD
.
SOI SUNS
S S
ET
NA NAI R D.
BANG
00
Tropica Bungalows
00
00
SOI C&N
00 Safari Beach
Margarita
SOI S
AEN S
00
ABAI
XD Theater
SOI POST
OFFICE
RD .
G
N O
00
00
Holiday Inn 00
Horizon Beach Resort
W
LIDAY IN
N
00
S 5 Star Massage
Phuket Legal
Sea Pearl Avantika Boutique Hotel 00 Seaview Patong 00
00 00
H AO
RD .
I RD.
UK AN 00
00
NA
H AC PR Duangjit Resort 00
RD .
00
TH IT
00
00
Andaman Orchid
RA T-U -
Amari Coral Beach & Sivara Spa
SOI HO
00
S
00 00
NA
A
H
Bus to Phuket Town
E
E
W
Dive Supply
Patong Night Plaza
00 Baan Laimai Resort 00 The Royal Palm SOI KEBS AP 00
Full Moon Brew Work
Patong Resort
00 Baanthai Beach Resort SOI PI NE TR EE SOI D R.WAT Patong Shopping S TANA
00
Jungceylon
00
T
The Jatujak (or JJ) weekend market in Bangkok is world famous but few people realize that there is an equally good alternative here in Phuket, albeit on a smaller scale. Situated opposite the naka Temple (which is also worth a visit) outside of Phuket Town, just 5 minutes from Central Festival on the Chao Fa West Road lies Phuket’s equivalent to Bangkok’s JJ Market. Here you will find all manner of things for sale from seemingly useless second-hand household junk and cute little trinkets to garden ornaments, clothing and ideal presents for all your friends and family. There is also an abundance of food and drink stalls to keep the energy levels up whilst you wander around. The market starts in the afternoon and goes on until the evening time when it can get really very lively.
Mr. Singh’s S
00 00
Phuket Palace 00 Simon Cabaret
To Karon, Kata
00 S
Hotel Bank Restaurant Shop Hospital Wat (Buddhist Temple) Gas Station Pier Waterfall View Point
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46 / transportation
Phuket town: 076 225 033-5 Phuket airport: 076 205 401-2 Suvarnabhumi international airport: 02 134 3888-89 (ticket) Check-in Domestic: 02 132 0342-54 Check-in international: 02 132 0331-39 Phuket to Samui
Samui to Phuket
Phuket to Pattaya
Flight
Dep.
arr.
Days
Flight
Dep.
arr.
Days
Flight
Dep.
arr.
Days
Pg252
0935
1030
Daily
Pg251
0805
0905
Daily
Pg252
0935
1230
Daily
Pg262
1235
1330
1..4..7
Pg259
1100
1200
Daily
Pg282
1510
1650
Daily
Pg260
1235
1330
.23.56
Pg255
1430
1530
Daily
1730
1830
.23.56.
1735
1835
1..4..7
Pg256
1600
1655
Daily
Pg257
Pg258
1905
2000
Daily
Pg261
Phuket to Bangkok
Pattaya to Phuket Flight
Dep.
arr.
Days
Pg281
1300
1440
Daily
Bangkok to Phuket
Flight
Dep.
arr.
Days
Flight
Dep.
arr.
Days
Pg270
0710
0835
Daily
Pg271
0805
0930
Daily
Pg272
1020
1145
Daily
Pg924
1220
1345
Daily
Pg907
1435
1600
Daily
Pg273
1355
1520
Daily
Pg274
1610
1735
Daily
Pg277
1655
1820
Daily
Pg278
1910
2035
Daily
Pg279
2015
2140
Daily
Pg280
2230
2355
Daily
Pg220
2150
2320
Daily
Call Center
1771 * indicates the flight has Blue Ribbon Class (Business Class) available.
imPoRtant telePhone numBeRS telePhone numBeRS oF the ConSulaR RePReSentatiVeS FunCtioning in Phuket loSt CReDit CaRDS
austria
076 372 600
ireland
076 281 273
austria
076 248 334-6
italy
086 689 6819
Visa
02 299 1990-29
Czech Republic 076 076 249 400 ext 1501, 3330 uSa
076 342 270
ameX
02 273 0022-44
Denmark
076 378 365
korea
076 234 452
master Card
02 299 1990-2
Finland
076 330 530-4
norway
076 237 156
Diners Club
02 238 3000
France
076 273 511
Sweden
076 380 000
JCB
001 800 000 900 09
germany
076 610 407
united kingdom
076 318 188
inteRnational CallS Dial: +66 - 76, inSiDe thailanD CallS Dial 076- FoR Phuket
muang District Police Station
216 856
Phuket airport
327 230-37
tourist Police
219 878 or 1155
tourism authorities (tat)
211 036, 212213
kamala Police Station
279 058
Bangkok Phuket hospital
254 421-30
kathu Police Station
342 719/21
mission hospital
237 220-9
thalang Police Station
311 123
Patong hospital
340 444
Phuket Provincial immigration office
212 108 or 221 905
Phuket tourist association
610 365-6
Phuket Deep Sea Port
391 155
Phukiet international hospital
212 853
Phuket Post and telegraph office
211 020 or 216 951
Vachira Phuket hospital
211 114
www.theguidephuket.com
Lifestyle / 47 Mr. Jose Luis Duran to be new Food and Beverage Manager of SALA Phuket resort and Spa in September, 2011.
Kids Pizza Cooking School
Mr. Jose, a Spanish citizen, has worked throughout Thailand over the past 3 years holding senior Food & Beverage management positions in both Koh lanta – Pimalai Resort & Spa, Phuket – Absolute Resorts & Hotels and Khon Kaen – Pullman Hotel Group. He has also spent time abroad in both the UK and Hong Kong through the early phases of his career since obtaining his hotel management diploma in Spain.
Kids Pizza Cooking School Class is conducted at Mare restaurant of the Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket and offers kids the chance to make their own pizza under the guidance of our Chefs. They will then cook and serve the pizzas to the kids. THB 300++ per child, This price includes a self-prepared pizza creation, served with a soft drink. A certificate of participation and a photograph will also be given to all participants. For more information and reservations please contact 076 201 234 at Mare restaurant.
the holiday Inn resort and Spa stages its grand Opening
September 9th saw the glittering opening of the new five star Holiday Inn on Mai Khao Beach with a huge gathering of media and local Phuket worthies.
trisara resort and Spa receives Wine Spectator Award of excellence
The world-famous Trisara Resort has been honored by the Wine Spectator Magazine for the quality of its restaurant’s wine cellar which now boasts over 235 wine labels and in excess of 2,000 bottles.
Boathouse Phuket re-opens in October 2011
Boathouse Phuket will re-open it post-renovation doors in october marking a welcome return of one of Phuket’s most iconic resorts in an even more luxurious incarnation at its famous site on Kata Beach. www.facebook.com/theguidephuket
48 / transportation
trAnSPOrt On the ISLAnD
h
ow much of Phuket have you actually seen? Wouldn’t you like to explore some more? Well, here we list some of your options for getting around the island’s highways and byways.
to and from the airport
Airport transfers are relatively simple. The airport is at the far north of the island, some 30 kilometers from Phuket Town and even further from most of the popular beaches like Patong and Karon. It is best to use one of the two official transport companies with booths right inside the arrival lounge, you can’t miss them. Private Airport limousines or minibuses are available to get to the major beaches at the south or west of the island. Metered taxis are also available and are cheaper than the airport limousines, as are ‘private’ taxis but we suggest you avoid these since problems have been known to occur. The Airport Bus is a cheaper alternative as long as you are not in a rush. Ask at the airport for their current departure schedules and pricing. Car rental is available and companies, such as Budget and national have offices located in the airport.
Airlines in & out of Phuket
A multitude of airlines now run scheduled flights to and from Phuket and during high season chartered flights are also available. Budget airlines such as Air Asia, nok Air and one-2-Go Air all run convenient and economical flights to other provinces throughout Thailand.
Song-taews
There are few buses on Phuket and the main form of transport from beach to town is the ‘song taew’; a truck www.theguidephuket.com
converted to carry passengers in the back on two long benches. They are usually colorful with a sign on front showing where they are going. These vehicles leave from a set stop by the fresh produce market in Phuket Town, reaching every major beach area on the island. They run approximately every hour but there are no fixed schedules, and they run when there are sufficient passengers. When leaving the beach areas to head back to town they usually cruise slowly around the streets picking up passengers. Song-taews are slow but cheap with the fare from Phuket town to Patong now set at just 25 THB per person!
‘tuk-tuks’
If you want your own private taxi, look for a tuk tuk, a tiny mini-truck converted in the manner of the bigger songtaews mentioned above to carry about four (or more!) passengers. The tuk-tuk gets its name from the noise its little engine makes. There are fleets of these in all major tourist areas and they will take you anywhere for a price. The going rate for the relatively short ride between Patong and Phuket town can be as much as 450 THB, one way! You can attempt to bargain but don’t expect much movement on their prices and be aware that at night the price of tuk-tuks shoots up. You can also rent one of these tuktuks for the day. expect to pay around 2,000 THB or more. This can be a good way to get about the island if you prefer not to drive yourself.
Motorcycle taxis
These will be a new experience for many people and are a convenient, yet nerve wracking, way to get around. All fares must be negotiated before the ride. These taxi motor cycle drivers are eas-
ily identified by their special colored jackets showing the location of their home base. Many have the word ‘taxi’ written in english on this jacket. Do not take a taxi from anyone who is not wearing one of these jackets.
renting a Motorcycle
Motorcycles, big and small, can be rented all over the island and are a popular choice for many tourists. Zipping around with the breeze in your hair is tempting for anyone but do be careful, the hospitals here see a never-ending stream of foreigners arriving with skin missing from arms and legs, or sometimes worse. The accident rate on Phuket is one of the highest in Thailand, with 90% of road accidents involving motorcycles! note that Thai law requires the driver to carry a valid license at all times and all riders to wear helmets – even though most Thais (including the police!) ignore the regulations. Also motor cycle lights must be turned on at all times, including during the daytime! The police occasionally enforce all these laws, so beware. The real danger in Phuket is this: none of the motorcycles rented here have insurance. If you rent one and cause damage you will be held fully responsible, with some greedy owners charging significantly more than the real cost of the damage. Be extremely cautious!
renting Your Own Car
Since Phuket is quite a large island, renting your own car can be one of the most pleasant ways to get around and it gives you freedom to go where and when you want. Renting is easy; private rental cars are readily found in every beach area and major rental companies operate in most resorts. When renting private vehicles from the side of the road be aware that few of these vehicles have insurance and this can prove disastrous in the event of an accident. Renting a car allows you get off the island and see the beautiful, neighboring provinces of Phang nga and Krabi. The
transportation / 49 PHUKET - HONG KONG
timetable EFFECTIVE : 27 March 2011 - 29 October 2011 PHUKET - BANGKOK
BANGKOK - PHUKET
Flight
Dep.
Arr.
TG638*
1300
1740
1.345.7
Days
TG638**
1445
1925
Daily
HONG KONG - PHUKET
Flight
Dep.
Arr.
Days
Flight
Dep.
Arr.
Days
TG201
0735
0900
Daily
TG226
0725
0850
Daily
TG203
0830
0955
Daily
TG202
1005
1130
Daily
TG205
0955
1115
Daily
TG204
1055
1225
Daily
TG207*
1055
1215
Daily
TG206
1210
1335
Daily
TG211
1225
1345
Daily
TG208
1305
1430
Daily
TG215
1415
1535
Daily
Flight
Dep.
Arr.
Days
TG212*
1440
1605
Daily
TG217
1600
1720
Daily
TG485
0030
0745
.2.4.6.
TG214
1525
1650
Daily
TG221
1820
1940
Daily
TG486
1530
1655
.2.456.
TG223
1920
2040
Daily
TG216
1625
1750
Daily
TG485**
2205
2325
1.345..
TG218
1825
1950
Daily
TG225
2240
2359
Daily
TG671
1900
2025
...4.6.
TG222
2040
2205
Daily
Flight
Dep.
Arr.
Days
TG224
2130
2255
Daily
TG671
1800
1200
...4.6.
CHIANG MAI - PHUKET Flight
Dep.
Arr.
Days
TG129
1240
1435
Daily
*until 18 may 2011
Flight
Dep.
Arr.
Days
TG609*
0900
1120
1.345.7
TG609**
0900
1120
Daily
PHUKET - PERTH
PERTH - PHUKET Flight
Dep.
Arr.
TG486
0915
1430
Days .2.456.
TOKYO (NARITA) - PHUKET
**From 19 may 2011
Phuket Reservation Call 0-7636-0444 monday - Sunday, 0800 - 1700 www.thaiairways.com roads are good and the scenery spectacular, making for a great day out.
regional Buses
The long distance bus station is in Phuket Town is directly across from the Royal City Hotel. From here both air-con tour buses and cheap, ‘orange crush’ buses leave for destinations north, south and east. There are regular services to Bangkok, Krabi, Surat Thani, nakorn Srithammarat, Trang, Haad Yai and other minor provincial capitals. Most of the tour buses to Bangkok leave around 5pm arriving in Bangkok about 6am the following morning. Tickets can be purchased either at the bus station or through travel agents.
transport by Boat
Regular ferry boat services from Phuket run only to the Phi Phi Islands, Koh Yao noi and Krabi. There are unscheduled boats to Koh Bon, Racha Yai and Koh Yao Yai. You can get to Koh lanta by changing boats at Koh Phi Phi. Most people get to the other smaller
islands by renting their own speed boats or even by chartering yachts. Whatever your chosen mode of trans-
port may be, enjoy exploring the island, there is plenty to see and do, more than you might have realized. Happy hunting! www.facebook.com/theguidephuket
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